Quick Reads
March 2024
Cybercriminals frequently target passwords, and weak passwords facilitate easy unauthorized access. Although it's typical to recommend complex passwords to secure your systems, they might be challenging to remember and write correctly.
The following password tips can help keep your accounts secure.
- Passphrases are longer and offer security through length. For example: While “chocolatecake123” is a simple, easy-to-remember password, “I love chocolate cake” offers a more complex passphrase.
- If you want an even tighter lock on your systems, adding symbols or numbers is a good idea.
- Remember not to use the same passphrases across multiple accounts. Password vaults are programs that store passwords and other sensitive information in an encrypted digital space. They are a useful tool for keeping up with multiple passwords and passphrases.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for an extra layer of security. MFA requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource.
These factors can include:
- a code sent to your email
- a secret question
- a one-time PIN received via text message
While you can’t stop cybercriminals from attempting to break into accounts, you can ensure your passwords are strong enough to provide an effective layer of security.